The National Young Mathematicians Awards are open to primary and secondary school pupils.

Schools are being invited to enter a team of four children who will have to take on a never-before-seen maths problem.

The primary school competition is open to Year 6 pupils, and the secondary school competition will be open to Year 8 students or younger.

THe awards are organised by Explore Learning and the University of Cambridge. This year’s awards will be presented by University Challenge star and Cambridge student Bobby Seagull at a ceremony on January 9.

Mr Seagull, who is studying for a doctorate in Mathematical Education, said: “I’m really pleased to be the ambassador for this year’s awards.

“Maths is in my blood and I’m thrilled to be able to inspire the next generation.

“Maths is such an integral part of our everyday lives and having competitions like this really encourages children to see the importance of it and excitement that it can bring.”

The first round of the competition takes place on November 7 and 8 at Explore Learning in Ingleby Road, followed by semi-finals on December 5 and, and the grand final at Cambridge in January.